Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 2).pdf/61

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52
The History of
Book IV.

Molly, having endeavoured in vain to make a handſome Retreat, faced about; and laying hold of ragged Beſs, who advanced in the Front of the Enemy, ſhe at one Blow felled her to the Ground. The whole Army of the Enemy (though near a hundred in Number) ſeeing the Fate of their General, gave back many Paces, and retired behind a new-dug Grave; for the Church-yard was the Field of Battle, where there was to be a Funeral that very Evening. Molly purſued her Victory, and catching up a Skull which lay on the Side of the Grave, diſcharged it with ſuch Fury, that having hit a Taylor on the Head, the two Skulls ſent equally forth a hollow Sound at their Meeting, and the Taylor took preſently meaſure of his Length on the Ground, where the Skulls lay ſide by ſide, and it was doubtful which was the moſt valuable of the two. Molly then taking a Thigh Bone in her Hand, fell in among the flying Ranks, and dealing her Blows with great Liberality on either Side, overthrew the Carcaſs of many a mighty Heroe and Heroine.

Recount, O Muſe, the Names of thoſe who fell on this fatal day. Firſt JemmyTweedle